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April 23, 2013

Královec and Mažić are awarded Europa League semifinal honour

UEFA has nominated Pavel Královec of Czech Republic and Milorad Mažić of Serbia to take control over this week's first legs of Europa League's semifinals. While Elite referee Královec will take charge of Basel - Chelsea FC under the eyes of referee committee member Herbert Fandel from Germany, Mažić, who is considered to be promoted to the highest referee category in June, will attend Istanbul to oversee the duel between Fenerbahçe and Benfica SL.

Excellent appointments for both Mazic and Kralovec.Not expected, maybe the Czech was a candidate for EL final, but we forgot to say something about Mazic.Collina as observer, as we can now see, means always something.I think that the only reason for which Mazic has been appointed for a semifinal and not the final is that he is still a Elite development. But I'm sure that now a promotion will follow, we should not forget that he is on Brazil 2014 list, so it's a 100% trust in him by UEFA and also FIFA.For the next season, he becomes in my opinion the candidate number 1 for Europa League final. Kralovec was rewarded after his excellent Lazio - Fenerbahçe.We have to be honest, and Niclas already said it, this season UEFA has followed a clear line, appoiting referees based on their performance. Until a few seasons ago, and especially prior to Collina election in UEFA committee, they had always fixed appointments for CL and EL, and the performance were not that much evaluated. With Collina now we have more flexibility, everything can happen.

It seems that they don't want to upload the full appointments on uefa.comAlways the same problem.By the way, not it seems clar that many Elite officials will remain without a further appointment.And I hope for Brych that he has a 2nd leg in this EL semifinals, otherwise he could stop his season without any further appointment.

Well I really don't know what is happening in Croatia. I wathced Newcastle-Benfica and Bebek was absolutely great in Newcastle-Benfica, and what I have heard Karlsson was more than content so it could be. I have also heard that all ED referees have mentors during their development process, and I know that Bebek or Strahonja (not sure who) have mentor from Portugal. So, Chelsea-Basel, Nuno Castro observer, I think we could see Croatian on that match. Here in Croatia when Bebek or Strahonja are appointed for CL or EL, week before they are usually appointed with their assistants in Croatian first League. Strahonja was appointed two weeks ago with Premužaj and Pataki (his assistants). Bebek made one mistake in Hajduk-Dinamo (didn't whistle penalty) so he was "punished" with second division match. It is sad that our referee committeee "punishes" referees with refereeing in second division because in all other leagues (Germany expecially) referees do first and second league regulary.First division appointments should be released tomorow so we'll se if Bebek or Strahonja are appointed with UEFA's assistants. I was looking for some info on croref's blog, but nothing there.

Very interesting, thanks a lot.Basically I think that either Nuno Castro or rather Vítor Melo Pereira could be this mentor. Concerning 1st division referees having 2nd division matches. It's indeed a normal procedure here, referees like Stark sometimes even whistle 3rd division matches. The basic reason could be that the level in 2nd Bundesliga is at the moment quite high in Germany and not remarkably lower than Bundesliga. It means there are also full stadiums, tense duels and football quality. By the way I never understood the sense of punishments in form of lower leagues or getting no match for a certain period of time. If you make a mistake, you want to "correct" it by improving in other matches to regain self-confidence.

In countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Greece, Cyprus and so on punishing the referee in such way (getting no match for 2-3 months) is a way to make the fans happy. Most of these countries have a different understanding about referees contrary to Germany, Spain and England.

Collum did not make crucial mistakes in Istanbul, at least both debatable calls were debatable with good arguments in favour of the Scottish referee. And concerning Collum: he must be out from semifinals. Chelsea is impossible, Fenerbahce-Benfica, too, as he had the Turkish side, CL semifinal would be a number too big..

Did you even watch the game? The report on here gave him 8.4, the highest mark of that week. Perhaps you shouldn't read too much into what you hear in the papers. I feel Collum will receive a further game and this would be on merit.

If Brych, Cakir, Proenca, Rizzoli, Skomina, Webb, who all had neither QF nor SF so far, should get the remaining 6 matches, there is only one possibility due to involved countries and former finals:CL SF: Proenca, WebbCL final: CakirEL SF: Brych, RizzoliEL final: SkominaThe question is, whether UEFA wants to use all of these big names, or they prefer others like Eriksson, Lannoy, Moen, Rocchi, Undiano, Velasco especially for EL.

Do you sincerely believe that Skomina (as one of the very few referees who always had a decent performance this season) would be left out of all competitions after R16 of the CL? "Second choice for the final" just won't be good enough.

Velasco had EL final in 2011 and was fourth official in CL final in 2012. I cannot imagine that he will get the third final participation in a row. And Undiano Mallenco is to my mind no candidate for CL final, no matter whether it is possible with regard to the nationalities or not.

What happened to Marc Batta? I don't recall him observing anyone this season. Last time I've seen him was Euro 2012. Probably he will stand down from the committee soon and be replaced by Layec who has observed some top matches over the past twelve months.

Correct penalty and in my opinion difficult to detect, given by Mazic.Also adequate yellow card.Well done!Furthermore, he gave many cards in first half, for minor infractions, but big authority and 100% control.Good performance by assistants, even though sometimes TV didn't show replays.

Another andperhaps longer, or certainly the last matchof the season, which judge Miload Mazić in EUROPA-CUPS. The new season in EUROPA-CUPS Serbian judge will judge, as an arbitrator, already ELIT-CATEGORY.

What about the foul by Luiz? I think, red would have been better, but not necessarily a crucial mistake. Apart from these situations, I would also say, it was expected level. The first two YCs were not necessary, but OK; in general, I felt a slight tendency pro Chelsea. I would agree with 7.9, but could also be 7.8

Gentleman,when Moen have had the same corner mistake in Arsenal-Bayern,you didnt evaluate it like a Big,Crucial mistake.Be consistent please.That wasnt crucial mistake,he didnt award penalty for example,he award corner kick.Chance to score from corner is not too much big.

BTW it would be really interesting to know how UEFA evaluates these situations, it seems to me clear that in case of a wrong corner, but without a gol or important consequences, they don't consider it as relevant.But in a case like this?

I do not think they will mark it with 7.9. Nonetheless, a tie could be decided by a mistimed and bad overruling, and that's what fans recognize. So yes we might lead this discussion 7.9 or only 8.2 but it will stay a solely mathematical thinking, however you count it, Benfica will have it difficult now.

Corner kick was no, doubt. I'm not entirely sure how this will be characterized. Football run ball came to a defensive player Benfica who is desperate reacted. But, generally speaking, very good control throughout the match, calmness, all disciplinary action timely and justly. Correctly awarded a penalty kick ( excellent response AAR2 Gogić- he is an great referee ). I do not know... I can't defend something that we've all seen. Error is, but not crucial, I agree with yours, absolutely.Regards

Do you remember what all of you said when Moen did a similar mistake in Arsenal-Bayern????You said most of you it was a crucial mistake....And now...Com on this is ridicilous call for a top referee.We all have to be honest.And when someone indicates that and you ignore him its even worst....

A goal is not achieved directly after a corner, but LOTG say it can be achieved! So Benficas defender had a clear position to eliminate the threat. He started his fault entirely different action. Although I believe that the USA is big, but not football-soccer country Instructions on grading are not well understood. Goal is not scored directly from a kick in the corner, or directly from the action. There is no direct impact of such a decision, but indirect- yes. When an insertion, or a corner kick considered a crucial mistake- all the referees received poor reviews. Then any team could be mad for every little thing. I'm very keen on Mažić as an outstanding performance by one foolish oversight, led to him asking for a crucial mistake.As I recall Moen was nominated for the next round KO CL Real-Galata?Finally, Mažić showed that in 2012/13. season in the top 5!Regards

I never said that Mazic is not a good referee ar he had a bad season.I only stated that he made a stupid mistake and that is getting more stupid if you ignore someone else that saw it and its trying to help you!Anyway you can continue very keen on Mazic,its your right to do so,but let us at least be objective...@ Niclas i dont think its fair to change the mark of Moen just because Mazic did the same think and has to be ecused....They both did a foolish overersight as our friend BRANKO DDM states....

And a general remark on pushing referees in form of positive comments no matter what happens - I cannot avoid it, if you allow comments, you must accept it. Those who watch the matches and follow the performances will be able to estimate comments issued here and create their own point of view..

Only this morning I saw that Moen blamed for a corner kick ( 7.9- bl. obs. Turan O ). I agree that the score correct! I think that the positive examples should dominate. Negative to highlight and embrace. This blog is a positive example. But most reactions after the mistakes we have ( Kassai ). Within each of the ref committee are performing members an analysis report observer. There are analyzers that can correct grade and it's in their job description. The only reason I fight is the one thing it should not be critical of referees after a small mistake ( corner-kick ), a team that has itself to blame for the goal ( Benficas defender ) to be acquitted. We can't referees considered in isolation from players. This is not talking about this blog! On the contrary! This confirms what Edward A. said about punishing referees in countries such as Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Greece, Romania ( only clubs are satisfied ).Serbian media are critical Mr. Mažić, a Spanish newspaper " MARCA " assessed Serbian team as very good!Finally, the idea Dr. Collina of ​​introducing AARs in Istanbul received full support from my side. Last night, the whole team ( to which we all agree ) was very good.Kralovec?!

I am pleased! ;) And last night I realized that you have a clear picture. This is the crown of a good season for him.Me and someone else's style and appearance reminded Dr Merk. ;) It will be all good! I think he deserves to be in Brazil. But...

I have seen Mazic full. That was a really good performance overall. Given penalty is ok, card management is good, positioning and foul detection left notthing under doubt. Yes, overruling AR1 wronlgy in cornerkick resulted in Fenerbahce's goal, thats a wrong decision which resulted in an important result. But, I dont knw..

Hi Boys and Girls!Observer evaluates the overall referee's performance, then he decreases the final mark by adequate points.In my opinion, Mazic performance was superb with correct crucial calls, full control and authoritative style that I like much.

@ darko I can't get over one thing. Everyone here is trying to be maximally fair and constructive. You want it to be a crucial mistake? I agree- so be it. We will see in the future nothing is good- will seek a mistake! Benficas central defender has not made a " minor " mistake, it would all have gone unnoticed. Can forget the great season that the Serbian team had?! Also, the game-which I think is the most difficult in which the whole team looked superb save in 71 '... We have lost faith in the AARs? In Istanbul, we had two excellent suggestions AAR1- 45' ( "penalty, penalty" ). AAR2- 71' ( "goal, goal" )... Mr. Gogić not a FIFA referee, but in Serbian league apply for the best after Mr. Mažić.

Good teamwork by both additionals.Gogić confirmed the penalty, Grujić saw the goal.BTW, we should underline that without the additional, the goal scored by Fenerbahçe was probably going to be missed: diffcult to see.I saw also a very good work by assistants.

By the way, there was a scene in the very last minute where Sow appeared free in front of the goal and was flagged for offside by Ristic. He kicked the ball away and received a yellow card and misses next match now. The flag appeared to be wrong in a replay, perhaps someone had better replays?

Darko is right when he says that it would not be consistent from our side to not award 7.9 if we did the same with Moen. Our reporter Turan gave 7.9 and I agreed with it at that time. However it becomes clear that UEFA does not consider a wrong corner leading to a goal as a crucial mistake. Therefore, Moen's final mark will be changed in the Arsenal-Bayern report.My report for Kralovec is made in a few hours, some points to improve I think besides the missed red + penalty.

UEFA: they are content with a referee, they appoint him after a good performance, and a heavy mistake happens in a such important match like a Europa League semifinal.Is that normal?It seems impossible to assure the best referees for the best matches, there is always something unexpected ready to happen.Why? Are UEFA referees so bad or maybe is this a general problem regarding all referees all over the world?You will never be able to know before, what is going to happen.And of course, a WC tournament is not free from that.